A statistical model based on climate factors indicates that the estimated undercount of historic tropical storms in the Atlantic is only slightly below actual numbers. The researchers found that the average undercount bias from 1870 to 1944 was approximately one tropical storm per year.
Researchers at Penn State are investigating thermochemical hydrogen production using advanced nuclear energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence. The three-year, $2.4 million program aims to develop efficient technologies for hydrogen production compatible with nuclear-generated heat sources.
Researchers at Penn State are using genetically modified mushrooms to produce vaccines and other biological drugs in record time. They aim to demonstrate the ability to produce three million doses of a drug within 12 weeks.
A study of over 7,500 websites found that webmasters intentionally favor Google over other search engines in robots.txt files, resulting in a strong correlation between the favored robots and market share. This bias may disadvantage consumers who prefer other search engines, as Google can index some information not available to them.
Researchers at Penn State successfully transmitted data at a rate of 100 gigabits per second over 100 meters using Category-7 copper cables. This breakthrough offers a less expensive and easier-to-build solution for high-speed data transfer, paving the way for future advancements in chip circuitry.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to convert cellulose and other biodegradable organic materials into hydrogen using microbial fuel cells. This process produces 288% more energy in hydrogen than the electrical energy added to it, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers developed a method to accelerate removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in oceans for centuries, mimicking nature's natural weathering process. This new technology may counteract acidification of oceans threatening coral reefs and provide a feasible solution for reducing global warming.
Researchers found that animals, like plants, can build tolerance to infections at a genetic level, allowing them to withstand parasite loads. This tolerance is negatively related to resistance, with animals either killing or tolerating parasites but not both.
A new study by Penn State University finds that colugos, also known as flying lemurs, are the closest living relatives of primates. The researchers used molecular and genomic data to analyze the evolutionary relationships among three groups: primates, colugos, and tree shrews.
A recent study published in Nature finds good agreement between species richness of tropical forests and coral reefs and a simple mathematical model based on the neutral theory of biodiversity. The researchers argue that interactions between species can be largely ignored, contradicting previous claims from other scientific teams.
Penn State has received a $135,000 Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant to establish a training program for 1,000 miners and 1,120 others. The program will include interactive simulations and training materials to enhance miners' ability to survive mine emergencies.
The grant will support the creation of a national Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center of Excellence, focusing on less-lethal munitions and devices, school safety, and pursuit management. The center will be managed by Col. Andrew F. Mazzara and supported by various academic departments and faculty.
Researchers at Penn State suggest a canal existed in the quarry, enabling stone transportation, and propose solutions to prevent water damage. Preservation efforts are crucial to protect the site's unique archaeological record.
A study by Penn State professors finds that CEOs with stock option-heavy compensation packages lead companies to extreme performance, with more big losses than big gains. High levels of CEO stock options coupled with high investment spending produce a 'combustible combination' resulting in very extreme outcomes.
A new software system, 'Tagging Over Time,' uses machine learning to adapt to users' changing preferences for image tags, improving accuracy from 40% to 60%. This innovation enables easier photo search and management, saving consumers time and enhancing searching capabilities.
A five-year study will investigate patterns of interaction between parents and preschool children to better understand the effects of child maltreatment. The research seeks to identify relationship patterns underlying the severity and type of maltreatment, aiming to inform the development of more effective family therapies.
A recent study found that only 2-3 year olds meet the recommended dairy intake for children. Most children consume more fat-rich dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. To address this issue, experts suggest promoting low-fat dairy options and flavored milk products.
Penn State has launched a major research alliance with Chevron to develop advanced coal conversion and carbon dioxide management technologies. The partnership aims to promote energy innovation, train new generations of experts in energy, and educate the public about energy issues.
Researchers from Penn State University and Copenhagen discovered that hair shafts can preserve ancient DNA, allowing for the sequencing of entire mitochondrial genomes from 10 individual woolly mammoths. This breakthrough enables efficient analysis of genetic material from extinct species.
Biologists have found that the influenza A virus migrates globally and mixes with other viral strains during the summer off-season before returning to the Northern Hemisphere as a genetically different virus. The research suggests widespread viral traffic across the equator, contributing to new epidemics in both hemispheres.
A new eating model, ecSatter, suggests that managing weight and staying healthy requires a positive experience of eating. The model, developed by Ellyn Satter and Barbara Lohse, emphasizes permission and discipline to cultivate effective eating attitudes and behavior.
A study by Penn State found that individuals with higher eating competence have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that training people in becoming eating competent may be an effective way to encourage healthy eating behaviors.
Penn State has taken over NASA's Aerospace Education Services Program, shifting its focus from one-time school visits to university-based summer courses. The program aims to make science come alive in students and teachers across the nation, using innovative technologies like GeoWall.
A team of researchers has found a strong correlation between Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) genetic material and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in bees. The prevalence of IAPV, the timing of outbreaks, and geographical circumstances suggest that IAPV is a significant marker for CCD.
The emergence of oxygen-producing cyanobacteria released oxygen at levels similar to today, but it had nowhere to go. Terrestrial volcanoes later arose and dominated, increasing oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
Astronomers have identified Calvera, a bright X-ray source in Ursa Minor, as a promising candidate for an isolated neutron star, potentially the closest known. The team used NASA's Swift satellite and other telescopes to pinpoint its position and confirm its characteristics.
Researchers found that the northern portion of the Tibetan Plateau rose later than previously thought, revealing a complex timeline for the plateau's growth. This discovery can help climate models and understand ancient biological communities.
Researchers at Penn State's Energy Institute have developed a process to produce jet fuel, gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil from coal using existing refineries. The process produces various hydrocarbon products, including fuel oil, gasoline, and diesel, which can be integrated into the refinery stream.
A team of Penn State engineers discovered that combining coal with papermaking black liquor waste creates a synthesis gas that can be converted into DME, a clean-burning fuel. This process reduces the carbon footprint of traditional coal-to-liquid processes and offers a more efficient alternative to burning black liquor for heat.
A collaborative healthcare model in Maine tied risk and reward to improve quality and efficiency. The program involved hospitals and employers sharing incentive funds based on performance standards, resulting in modest but meaningful financial rewards for top-performing facilities.
Researchers cast doubt on ABCA1's role in producing good cholesterol by studying cells from Tangier disease patients and knock-out mice. The findings suggest that ABCA1 does not code for the scramblase enzyme involved in phospholipid transport.
TableSeer automates table extraction and searching across documents, improving efficiency for researchers. The engine's innovative ranking algorithm, TableRank, also identifies frequently cited tables in search results.
The discovery of a planet orbiting a giant red star provides insight into the potential fate of our solar system as it evolves into a red-giant star. The planet, located 300 light years from Earth, circles its star every 360 days and offers astronomers a unique opportunity to study the effects of red-giant stars on planetary systems.
A team of Penn State researchers successfully created a microbial fuel cell that consumes cellulose and produces electricity by pairing two types of bacteria. The fuel cell achieves a maximum power density of 150 milliwatts per square meter, which is lower than current designs but shows promise for future improvements.
ChemxSeer is a search engine designed specifically for chemical formulae, allowing scientists to find relevant research on CH4 or methane without filtering out results about Channel 4. The tool identifies related chemicals with different formula representations and substructures, providing more accurate search results.
A novel bacterium, Candidatus Chloracidobacterium thermophilum, has been discovered in Yellowstone National Park's hot springs, transforming light into chemical energy. The finding is significant as it belongs to a new phylum and expands our understanding of photosynthesis in bacteria.
Nina V. Fedoroff, a renowned researcher in life sciences and biotechnology, is among eight scientists named to receive the 2006 National Medal of Science. Her work focuses on understanding gene regulation by small RNA molecules and developing mechanisms for plants to withstand environmental stressors.
A Penn State research team discovered that blocking km23, a traffic cop protein, disrupts the transport of a signaling component to the nucleus, leading to reduced gene expression and cell growth. The findings may lead to diagnostic tools and earlier treatments for ovarian cancer.
A study by Elizabeth J. Susman found that kids who prefer evenings are more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior, rule-breaking, and attention problems. Earlier puberty is linked to more antisocial behavior in boys and relational aggression in girls.
A new Penn State study suggests ways to improve US rail safety by addressing inadequate security measures, improving coordination between agencies and leveraging the role of railroad police. The report recommends comprehensive legislation, increased funding for security efforts and enhanced training for personnel.
Researchers using Loop Quantum Gravity theory find a contracting universe before the Big Bounce, with space-time geometry similar to today's. A new mathematical model allows for precise analytical solutions and reveals a 'cosmic forgetfulness' due to extreme quantum forces during the Big Bounce.
A study by Penn State found that branding matters when searching online, with participants favoring Yahoo! and Google over MSN Live Search and an in-house engine. The researchers believe emotional branding has an impact on the evaluation of search engine results, leading to a 15% higher score for Yahoo!.
Researchers found that mice exposed to ozone before infection died more often than those breathed filtered air. Female mice were also less likely to survive pneumonia exposure compared to males, regardless of genetic variation. The study suggests considering the impact of environmental pollutants on health by gender.
A research team has discovered a fundamental adaptive mechanism linking an animal's locomotion to its sensory systems. The study found that the dimensions of the three semicircular canals in the inner ear are linked to the type of movement produced by an animal's limbs.
A new pacemaker-like device has been developed to treat treatment-resistant depression, showing statistically significant improvements in mood and cognitive abilities. The research, led by James McInerney and Elana Farace, offers hope for millions of people affected by the debilitating disease.
A new species of long-necked, gliding reptile has been identified from CT scans of fossilized bones. The Mecistrotrachelos apeoros had curved feet, suggesting it lived in trees and exhibited gliding behavior.
A year-long clinical trial shows that diets focusing on foods with low calorie density can lead to significant weight loss and improved hunger control. The study found that women who added water-rich foods to their diets lost more weight during the first six months compared to those following a reduced-fat diet.
A study by Penn State researchers found that nearly all Caribbean land-breeding frog species, including coqui frogs, originated from a single ancient species that rafted on a sea voyage from South America. The discovery challenges previous theories of their arrival and reveals the surprising common ancestry of these species.
Researchers at Penn State developed a novel approach to extend the life of marine microbial fuel cells by providing bacteria with chitin, found in crustacean shells. The addition increased power production and allowed for longer-term remote operation, making it suitable for ocean sediments.
A team of researchers from Penn State created a viscoelastic mixture that exhibits fluid-like behavior at slow speeds, solid-like behavior at intermediate speeds, and heals itself after tearing. The study provides new insights into how materials switch between these states.